SENIOR YEAR (CLASS OF 2008)

November
The grunt work of completing your college application forms starts now—if it hasn't already. First off, prioritize. Complete them according to two criteria: 1) the colleges you most want to attend; 2) application deadlines. Spend the greatest amount of time on colleges you most want to attend.

We know you know this, but students whose applications are filled with misspellings and poor grammar look like students who don't care. When applicants look like they don't care about their own application, why should an admissions committee? Be careful—and don't rely on your spell-check to catch mistakes!

NOTE: If you are applying early decision, you can only apply to one school throughout this process.

Keep working on your college applications.
Deliver all recommendation forms to your teachers. Make sure the deadlines are clearly marked.
Edit your essays, and keep getting input from a trusted source (or sources).
Modify your college list to make sure you have a good range of reach/match/safety schools.
Send transcripts (you'll have to send them again after first semester, but don't wait).
Have a full list of scholarships offered by your chosen colleges with deadlines.
Decide if you're going to (or have to) interview.

What Makes a Good College Essay?
What Can Make an Essay Flop?
Be Prepared for the Interview
Scholarships: Increase Your Likelihood of Winning
Don't Overlook Your Recommendations